A six months interim bail has been granted to Asaram Bapu owing to his health conditions by the Gujarat High Court on Thursday. Earlier Rajasthan High Court too had suspended his sentence on similar grounds in two different cases. The bench was composed of Justices Ilesh J. Vora and R. T. Vachhani clearly mentioned that the relief is just for his treatment, his sentence and conviction remain in force.

In 2018, Asaram Bapu, a self-styled godman, was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a minor in 2013 in the ashram premises. In another similar rape case, he was sentenced to life in prison in 2023. He has also been charged with intimidating witnesses. Both the convictions were upheld by the High Court.

What has happened to Asaram Bapu?

Talking about his health issues, Asaram Bapu’s lawyer, senior advocate Devadutt Kamat, said, “Bapu is suffering from heart disease, hypertension, hypothyroidism, anemia, and gastrointestinal illness. He needs special care that isn’t available behind bars. In September, he was taken to Delhi for treatment.” His medical condition has been noted by Rajasthan High Court as well. His bail was once rejected in August, but after the medical reports were submitted, he was granted bail. The Supreme Court granted Bapu bail owing to his bad health condition from January 2024 until March.

The Gujarat government has suggested shifting Bapu to a Rajasthan jail if the necessary facilities to treat him are unavailable in Gujarat jail.

Opposing Bapu’s bail, Senior Advocate B. B. Naik, who is representing the rape survivor, contested the bail application. He argued that the medical report does not clearly state that Bapu is in critical condition. He said, “Last time I said that he wants to tour India… Today, he is seeking treatment… No need to grant temporary bail.”

However, bail was granted with directives of not holding gatherings, refraining from sermons, and no participation in religious activity. There will be 24×7 police supervision and regular reports to local authorities.

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